Bowery Boy Blue’s new album Stalk That Myth is the album I’ve always been waiting to hear, I just didn’t know it yet. So when you get the chance, like on August 16^th, buy this album. Until then visit the bands website for updates. In celebration of Stalk That Myth we interviewed

IRR: When I was a kid I used to read lots of books about America's history, your music gives me some of those feelings that those books I read as a kid would give me, what feeling does your music give you?

Z: - A tough question. When I finish a song I feel like I'm onto something if the song makes me feel something but I can't quite put my finger on what that feeling is, so I guess that's the best I can do for an answer.

IRR: How did you end up making music in the first place?

Z: - Music was always around me growing up, and after a friend of mine lent me his guitar when I was about 12, I just started playing and never stopped - eventually I began writing and singing my own songs.

IRR: There are magnificent strings orchestrated throughout your new album, do you have strings in your live performances as well?

Z: - We haven't yet, but Megan Gould (who arranged all of, and played most of the string parts on Stalk That Myth) just might show up on stage with us one night, so you just never know what you're gonna get.

IRR: What song would you have played at your funeral?

Z: - Neil Young's 'Don't Let It Bring You Down'

IRR: What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Z: - Keep your head up (And I mean this in the literal sense, as in: 'keep your head up or you might get run over by something.')

IRR: Can you tell us about who influences you and why?

Z: - We've been getting lots of Neil Young and Crazy Horse references in some of the reviews leading up the record, and as someone who was immersed in their music growing up, I take that as a huge compliment. I think their music seeped into my brain, it's an influence that I wear on my sleeve, and I don't really concern myself with trying to hide where I come from.

IRR: What era do you think your music best belongs to?

Z: - I think we're relevant today even if the songs and arrangements might harken back at times to another decade.

IRR: Do you have a standout track on the album that just hits you as your favorite?

Z: - I'm fond of the whole record. But if I had to pull something out of the mix, I really think the string arrangement by Megan on Ghost of the Blues makes that track stand out.

IRR: I would love to know all about the recording of the album. Can you tell us where you recorded the album and who it was with, how long it took, basically the 5 w's – who, what, where, when, why?

Z: - It was recorded August of 2007 in Chicago at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio by Sam Crawford (who is also the guitar player in the band).

It took four straight 12 hour days of tracking, and I was lucky enough to get Jason Toth (Edith Frost, the Zincs, Manishevitz) to come in and play drums, and as I mentioned before, Megan Gould to do the Strings. After the basic tracking, some additional overdubs and the mixing were done at the Looking Glass Studios in New York with the Mastering done by Dave McNair.

IRR: What activity is best to do while listening to your album?

Z: - Conquering small nations.

IRR: So I know you will be asked this a million times but how did your band name come about?

Z: - I work on the Bowery in NYC, and I guess it just grew from that. (and you're the first person to ask.)

IRR: Can you tell us how was having the finished version of the album in your hands for the first time?

Z: - I felt relieved to have finally finished it. The process from start to finish was a long one.

IRR: Can you tell us about your worst job experience you've ever had?

Z: - I worked as a security person for a big music venue when I was in high school. I only lasted two concerts - it really sucked.

IRR: If your album was to come out 35 years ago how do you think it would have been received compared to today?

Z: - Hopefully in much the same way.

IRR: What's better tape or digital?

Z: - I don't really see them competing with one another. They each give you different sounds and they each have their good and bad points. Stalk That Myth was recorded onto 2" tape, but I've recorded with digital systems in the past and I probably will again in the future.

18) Who's the best singer of all time in your opinion?

Z: - Frank Black aka Black Francis

19) Last book you read?

Z: - 'Growth of the Soil' by Knut Hamsun

20) Where in the world would you be right now if you could?

Z: - A beautiful little island in Northern Ontario.